Known to followers of natural cosmetics and organic beautystas, plant powders from Ayurveda, this traditional Indian medicine, are suitable for various cosmetic recipes. Emilie Jolibois, cosmetic ingredient research expert at Aroma-zone, explains their benefits and how to benefit from them.
Ayurvedic powders are more and more talked about in cosmetics. They refer to the powders of Indian plants traditionally used in Ayurveda. Ayurveda, “science of life” in Sanskrit, is this sacred therapeutic medicine in India over 5000 years old which claims a holistic approach (overall) to rebalance body and mind. In this tradition, a wide range of plants are used for the purpose of healing, maintaining health and The well-being. In cosmetics, Ayurvedic powders also have a role to play whether it is taking care of the hair or the face.
The different hair care treatments with Ayurvedic powders
The diversity of Ayurvedic plants is such that all hair types can benefit from their properties through different hair treatments, from shampoo to mask. In detail, they are used:
- In shampoo: or in the form of a 100% vegetable shampoo which gives a paste consistency when the powder is mixed with lukewarm water. Either in the form of clay and plant-based shampoo: it is mixed with water to obtain a paste or it is used as a powder to be rubbed on wet hair which is rinsed.
- As a mask before or after shampoo: the powder mixes with water to make a paste. Mixed with vegetal oils, it will be more suitable as a pre-shampoo mask because of its “greasy” effect.
- In infusion in water. Ayurvedic powder is used in hair lotion, rinse lotion, or as an aqueous phase in the preparation of “homemade” cosmetics (hair creams, conditioner cream, etc.)
- In oily macerate where the plant powder is macerated in a vegetable oil. It is used for example in friction of the scalp or in hair oil …
Some Ayurvedic herbs that are good for the hair
Depending on the plants, the properties are adapted to different types of hair. Here are some examples :
- Shikakaï: true “vegetable shampoo”, it cleanses the hair and the scalp thanks to its richness in saponins (vegetable compounds having cleansing and slightly foaming properties). It is suitable for all types of hair.
- Amla : hair beautifier and fortifier, it is suitable for all hair types and in particular in cases of hair lossor to stimulate growth, in case of dull or fine hair, or in case of precocious white hair.
- Bhringaraj : “master of hair” in Sanskrit: used as a tonic, this plant fights hair loss and tones tired hair.
- Brahmi : fortifying, capillary, tonic, and soothing of the scalp, this active fights against dandruff.
- Kachur sugnadhi: it brings strength and volume to fine, limp hair, thickens and improves shine. It pleasantly perfumes the hair.
- Nagarmotha : it purifies oily hair and fights dandruff, helps fight against premature gray hair.
- Fenugrec : it stimulates growth, strengthens and coats the hair. It is recommended to bring volume and shine.
- Sidr : rich in vegetable saponins, it gently cleanses the hair. This plant is also rich in mucilage, which soothes the scalp and coats the hair. This plant is the ally of colored hair that it cleans without risk of color bleeding (even for vegetable coloring).
Precautions for use
- Ayurvedic powders are very active. To prevent any risk of allergy, always do a test in the crease of the elbow 24 hours before application.
- These powders should always be mixed with a more neutral powder (clay, colloidal oatmeal powder, rice powder micronized). The objective is twofold: it allows both to form a beautiful paste with a texture suitable for the application and to dilute the active powder.
- While making a cosmetic recipe, avoid contact with the eyes. In case of contact, rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- These powders are to be kept out of the reach of children.
